Green, Sara. The Morgan Horse.

Green, Sara.  The Morgan Horse.     Scholastic/ Childrens Press   24p  $20.65  978-0-531-20878-6   elem     Series: Horse Breed Roundup (Scholastic/Childrens)        VG-BNes        

This book provides an overview to the Morgan horse breed, one of the earliest horse breeds developed in the United States, which was named after one of the best-known owners of the breed.  Morgans are versatile animals.  They excel in a wide variety of arenas, as work animals on farms and ranches, carriage horses, riding horses, and as show animals.  Readers will be drawn to the colorful full-page photos of horses engaging in dynamic activities.

Colorful, liberal use of photographs will engage young readers, who may linger over the brief text to discover the history of Morgans or top examples of the breed.  The text, written with high/low and reluctant readers in mind, offers basic breed characteristics, and the sidebars include information that will appeal to youngsters.  (Did you know that the Morgan is the state horse of both Vermont and Massachusetts? Or that Morgans were bred for U.S. military use until 1951?)

The book is shorter than many encyclopedia articles, but has the advantage of the excellent photos. This is an appealing volume, even for readers who are not "horse mad".                                   --Hilary Welliver

Green, Sara. The Lipizzan Horse.

Green, Sara.  The Lipizzan Horse.   Scholastic/ Childrens Press   24p  $22.95 978-0-531-20877-9       elem  Series: Horse Breed Roundup (Scholastic/Childrens)        VG-BNes        

This book combines captivating illustrations with a simple text to tell the story of the Lipizzan horses.  It will be very popular with horse lovers and anyone who has ever watched a Lipizzan performance.  It describes how the foals are born with dark coats that turn white as they mature.  Several of the special moves this breed is known for are explained.  Another important part of the text explains how the horses were rescued and kept safe during World War II.  The entire breed can be traced through a handful of foundation mares and stallions.

The photography captures the beauty and majesty of the breed.  It shows horses running free and under ridership in the show ring.  These photographs will captivate the reader.

The text is clear and to the point.  It provides sufficient information for readers of this age and yet does not overburden them.  The glossary defines unfamiliar terms that are highlighted in the text.  The index is adequate for the text.  There is a list of places to look for more information, including print resources and web sites.     

The Horse Breed Roundup series includes 14 breeds of horses.  Each is beautifully illustrated with simple text.  Each book gives a complete description of the breed in only 24 pages and is appropriate for grades 3-6.                                                         --Joan Theal

Green, Sara. The Friesian Horse.

Green, Sara.  The Friesian Horse.   Scholastic/ Childrens Press   24p  $20.65  978-0-531-20876-2  elem      Series: Horse Breed Roundup (Scholastic/Childrens)        VG-BNes        

This book provides an overview to the Friesian horse breed.  The colorful, liberal use of photographs will engage young readers, who may then remain to linger over the brief text to discover the history of Friesians, the black war-/draft-horse breed that nearly went extinct.  The text, written with high/low and reluctant readers in mind, offers basic breed characteristics, and the sidebars include information that will appeal to youngsters.  (Did you know that Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands opens sessions of Parliament after traveling there in a golden carriage drawn by eight Friesians?)

The book is shorter than many encyclopedia articles, but it has the advantage of the lush photos.  This is an appealing volume, even for readers who are not "horse mad".                       --Hilary Welliver